Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) Call for Applications

The Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) is a 2-year program of the Connecticut Convergence Institute which aims to develop the next generation of innovative scientists by providing academic training to individuals dedicated to pursuing careers as scientists and scholars in biological and biomedical science. The program is specifically focused on recruiting underrepresented students to contribute towards developing a sustainable pipeline to increase diversity among the pool of academic scientists. YIIP provides tools for scholars to conduct research, succeed in an academic environment, and become competitive candidates for medical school or graduate school. YIIP Scholars will acquire the expertise necessary to obtain a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or M.D.

Overview:
YIIP is an intensive research program for college graduates comprised of graduate level coursework and supervised research in biomedical laboratories on the UConn Health campus. It provides individualized mentorship, academic support, and career guidance. YIIP Scholars are employed as Graduate Assistants who earn a stipend and qualify for health insurance coverage. In addition, the tuition expense and fees associated with required graduate level courses are waived. Upon successful completion of year one, scholars obtain a Graduate Certificate of Research Experience in Biomedical Science. In year two, Scholars who meet the academic qualifications pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Science involving innovative mentored research.

Eligibility:

The selection committee is committed to the principle of equity and seeks a diverse group of candidates including individuals from underrepresented groups. Consideration will be given to those applicants traditionally underrepresented in the biomedical sciences.

All applicants must:

• Have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of an overall 3.0 GPA.
• Demonstrate high motivation and potential to become a basic scientist with a goal of attaining a Ph.D., M.D.-Ph.D., or M.D.
• Meet all eligibility criteria and have a high probability of fulfilling the social and educational goals of this program.
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

For more information, please visit our website: https://health.uconn.edu/connecticut-convergence-institute/young-innovative-investigator-program/ or contact:

Jolene Monahan Wilding.
Program Manager
monahanwilding@uchc.edu

or

Gualberto Ruaño, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Special Projects

ruano@uchc.edu

Due to the competitiveness of the program, YIIP has a shorter application timeline, than the dates indicated by The Graduate School. Apply at the Graduate School’s Website by April 15, 2023. In addition to the standard graduate school requirements, please submit a copy of your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), a Personal Statement, a Research Experience Essay/Research Writing Sample, a Statement of Interest and Professional Goals/ Five Year Future Plan Essay, and two letters of recommendation.